Lamb Weston (LW) vs McCormick (MKC)
Head-to-head comparison of performance, valuation, growth, profitability and dividends. Prices delayed 15 minutes; data as of Oct 7, 2026.
Summary
Lamb Weston (LW) has outperformed McCormick (MKC) over the past year, losing 24.0% versus a loss of 31.0%. Over five years, LW leads with a -14.5% price change compared with -43.2% for MKC. McCormick is the larger company by market cap ($12.18 billion vs $6.61 billion), about 1.8 times the size, while Lamb Weston is growing revenue faster (+2.5% vs +1.7%).
On valuation, McCormick trades at a lower forward P/E (14.1x vs 14.3x for Lamb Weston). McCormick offers the higher dividend yield (4.18% vs 3.14%). McCormick converts more of its revenue into profit, with a net margin of 11.5% versus 4.4%.
Summary generated from market data by MetaCap's automated system. Methodology
Relative performance
Percent change in share price from the first common trading day shown; excludes dividends.
Head-to-head
| Metric | LW | MKC |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $48.09 | $45.25 |
| Market cap | $6.61B | $12.18B |
| 1-day change | +0.38% | -0.33% |
| YTD return | +14.80% | -33.56% |
| 1-year return | -24.04% | -31.04% |
| 5-year return | -14.49% | -43.17% |
| P/E ratio (TTM) | 26.14 | 8.18 |
| Forward P/E | 14.28 | 14.08 |
| EPS (TTM) | $1.84 | $5.53 |
| Dividend yield | 3.14% | 4.18% |
| Annual dividend | $1.51 | $1.89 |
| Revenue (latest FY) | $6.61B | $6.84B |
| Revenue growth (YoY) | +2.50% | +1.73% |
| Net income (latest FY) | $290.00M | $789.40M |
| Gross margin | 20.56% | 37.90% |
| Operating margin | 8.94% | 15.65% |
| Net margin | 4.39% | 11.54% |
| 52-week high | $67.07 | $72.41 |
| 52-week low | $37.62 | $43.25 |
| Distance from 52-week high | -28.30% | -37.51% |
| Analyst consensus | buy | buy |
| Avg. price target upside | +16.26% | +21.22% |
| Average volume | 1.84M | 3.24M |
| Shares outstanding | 137.48M | 254.54M |
| Employees | 10,000 | 14,100 |
| Sector | Consumer Staples | Consumer Staples |
| Industry | Packaged Foods | Packaged Foods |
Highlighted cells mark the higher value for growth, returns, margins and yield, and the lower value for P/E ratios. Highlighting is a mechanical comparison, not a recommendation.
Key differences
- Lamb Weston trades at a higher earnings multiple (26.1x vs 8.2x trailing P/E).
- McCormick offers a meaningfully higher dividend yield (4.18% vs 3.14%).
- McCormick is more profitable, keeping 11.5 cents of every revenue dollar as net income versus 4.4 cents for Lamb Weston.
About Lamb Weston
LW stock →Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. engages in the production, distribution, and marketing of frozen potato products in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and internationally.
Consumer Staples · Packaged Foods · 10,000 employees
About McCormick
MKC stock →McCormick & Company, Incorporated manufactures, markets, and distributes herbs, spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the food industry. It operates in two segments, Consumer and Flavor Solutions.
Consumer Staples · Packaged Foods · 14,100 employees
LW vs MKC FAQ
Which is bigger, Lamb Weston or McCormick?
McCormick (MKC) is larger, with a market capitalization of $12.18B compared with $6.61B for Lamb Weston (LW).
Which stock has performed better over the past year, LW or MKC?
LW returned -24.04% over the past 12 months, compared with -31.04% for MKC (price return, excluding dividends). Past performance does not predict future results.
Which has the lower P/E ratio, LW or MKC?
MKC has the lower trailing P/E at 8.2, versus 26.1 for LW. A lower P/E is not by itself a sign of a better investment; it can reflect slower expected growth or higher risk.
Which pays a higher dividend, Lamb Weston or McCormick?
McCormick has the higher yield at 4.18%, compared with 3.14% for Lamb Weston.
Are Lamb Weston and McCormick in the same industry?
Yes. Both are classified in the Packaged Foods industry within the Consumer Staples sector.